View Full Version : R44 trans-Atlantic ferry flight
Sam Rutherford
9th Aug 2008, 19:15
I heard about a couple of guys who flew California-Norway! Anyone have any links to their story, or anyone else who has flown the pond in an R44?
Thanks, Sam.
R22DRIVER
9th Aug 2008, 20:49
HI Sam,
The 2 guys were Johan Hansen and Arve Heltand. They were 2 of my students from Hillsboro Aviation.
Their website is Hjem (http://www.helistars.no)
Hope this helps.
R22
tattooed
10th Aug 2008, 00:05
I never met Johan or Dan, but Arve was a blast to hang out with.
I heard that they had to carry their own fuel as there were several areas they couldn't get fuel in (and the gas cans in the pix sure confirm that!).
Incredible trip. More fun than having RHC crate your heli and ship it for you!
When I was down at RHC for the safety course, I had the pleasure of meeting 2 South African gentlemen who were there because their company purchased an R44. I asked them if they were flying it back (having Arve's trip fresh on my mind)...."NO WAY! We'd be shot down over Africa!" Good point. Sounds like an exciting trip, though!
Runway101
10th Aug 2008, 02:39
One way to get over these long distances is to fly ahead and deposit some fuel cans at a beach or some rocks you remember. Then fly back and repeat as long as needed. When you start your trip, you can then pickup that extra fuel at these fuel deposits. Not sure if they did it in that fashion, but sure looks like it.
They also had a long range tank installed as far as I know. I hope the pilot will come up with that English translation of the trip once he finds the time, so that we can learn more about it.
What I heard is that the fuel prices (maybe especially Avgas?) in those areas are sky high. Not just expensive, but multiple times the price of what it normally is.
Sam Rutherford
10th Aug 2008, 06:43
Avgas in Greenland is about USD16/gal, an added complication is that in Iqualuit (northern Canada) you have to buy complete 50 gal drums - so if you want 60 gals you pay for 100!
Thanks for the links, I'll go have a look.
Sam.
CopterHansen
11th Aug 2008, 07:47
Hi Guys, Johan here...
I've written a 17 pages article about our trip. It's in danish, but I'm in the process of interpreting it to english. Give me a couple of weeks... Then I will post it here.
:ok:
Runway101
11th Aug 2008, 11:44
I am looking forward to your English report Johan. Can you tell us more about the fuel tanks that you had installed at HAI?
CopterHansen
11th Aug 2008, 12:03
Arve had the backseats removed and there was a 15 gallon aux tank installed. It was wired to the busbar and we could, in flight, pump fuel from the aux tank to the main tank. We did this by only pumping when the main tank was below ½ and we timed the pumping to 12 min. In this time almost all the fuel would have been pumped to the main tank.
R22Million
18th Jun 2010, 04:57
Howdy.. can you tell me how the aux tank on the back seat was plumbed into the fuel system? I need to add an extra 2 hours endurance to a R44 myself.. any advice would be appreciated..
Awesome, any updates on the English report :ok:
Sam Rutherford
14th May 2014, 18:41
Did the trip report ever get done? Tried to call the number on their site but it's no longer working.
Cheers, Sam.
Boudreaux Bob
14th May 2014, 22:25
Across the Atlantic in a Robbie.....that needs pondering over a case of Beer!:uhoh:
Dynamic Roller
14th May 2014, 22:49
Consider that Q (Quentin Smith) has flown the R44 twice around the world, as well as to both North and South Poles.
Boudreaux Bob
15th May 2014, 00:50
Far braver man than I, for sure.:D
helimutt
15th May 2014, 14:14
Didn't Q end up in the drnk on his way to the South Pole? Or did he repeat the exercise afterwards?
Dynamic Roller
15th May 2014, 16:07
Didn't Q end up in the drnk on his way to the South Pole? Or did he repeat the exercise afterwards?
Yes and yes, the second time with a Raven II.
Here is the video: 2sDIFT6ZqN4
Sam Rutherford
16th May 2014, 13:15
Going to do it next month (R44) - looking forward to it!
Actually; there are 'lots' of people that have done this over the years.
I've managed to find/create a route with a maximum over water leg of 214nm, Scotland to Canada :)
Fly safe, Sam.
Brilliant Stuff
17th May 2014, 16:18
Sounds like a fab adventure. Wish you tailwinds all the way. :ok:
Heliice
18th May 2014, 08:57
If you need any assistance while you are in Iceland just let me know ;)
Sam Rutherford
19th May 2014, 07:36
Hi Heliice,
We'll be in Egilstadir on the night of the 11th (dependant weather) if you're about? Then straight out for Greenland...
You're based in Iceland or in Norway? Going with 5 helis to Norway first week of June - any top tips for heli spots (got some ideas already but...).
Fly safe, Sam.
Heliice
19th May 2014, 23:05
Hi Sam,
I am based in Reykjavik and am flying mainly around that area.
So I guess you will be departing to Greenland from Ísafjörður ?
I would suggest you spend time over the fjords on the west coast of Norway ;)
Sam Rutherford
14th Nov 2014, 17:27
We tried and we failed
We got as far as half-way to Greenland, but with solid above, murky ahead and sea-fog building below (we were at 500') we decided to turn back.
Very frustrating, but the right decision. Next time (next year?) we'll give ourselves more time...
Film of trip here for anyone interested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=116mtfTSNh0&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=116mtfTSNh0&feature=youtu.be)
Fly safe, Sam.